The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care Exposes Decades of Systemic Abuse
By Lisa Zengarini
A groundbreaking report released by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care has shed light on the extensive and pervasive abuse endured by over 200,000 children and vulnerable adults under the care of state and faith-based institutions in New Zealand from 1950 to 2019. This long-awaited investigation, spanning six years, has uncovered shocking revelations of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse inflicted on individuals entrusted to these institutions.
The inquiry, initiated by the New Zealand government in 2018, delved into the dark history of orphanages, foster care systems, mental health facilities, and other forms of care that were meant to protect and support over 655,000 people. The findings presented to Parliament this week paint a grim picture of a national catastrophe that has left deep scars on survivors and their families.
A Heartbreaking National Tragedy
Chair of the inquiry, Coral Shaw, described the findings as an “unthinkable national catastrophe,” highlighting the magnitude of the abuse endured by vulnerable individuals across generations. The report details horrific accounts of beatings, sexual assault, starvation, electric shocks, chemical restraints, and other forms of mistreatment that have left lasting trauma on the victims.
Many of the survivors, predominantly Indigenous Maori children, were forcibly separated from their families and placed in the care of these institutions, where they suffered at the hands of those entrusted with their well-being. The inquiry uncovered systemic abuse that affected up to 42% of individuals in religious care across different denominations.
An Urgent Call for Justice
The Commission’s report underscores the urgency of acknowledging and addressing the pervasive nature of abuse in care facilities. It acknowledges that the reported number of victims is likely an underestimate due to data inadequacies, lack of reporting, and efforts to conceal the abuse. The survivors, many of whom have faced lifelong consequences, have long been denied justice and accountability for the atrocities they endured.
Despite survivors’ pleas for justice being dismissed and ignored, the inquiry demands a reckoning from the government and religious institutions responsible. The 138 recommendations put forth by the Commission include public apologies from institution heads and a comprehensive overhaul of the compensation program to provide tailored support for survivors.
A Commitment to Healing and Change
In response to the report, the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference (NZCBC) expressed gratitude to the Commissioners for their work and reaffirmed their dedication to improving safeguarding within the Church. The Methodist and Anglican Churches have also pledged to take concrete steps towards ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has acknowledged the government’s role in the abuse and has vowed to issue a formal apology to survivors in November. Plans to implement a redress process and provide compensation to survivors are underway, with estimated costs running into billions of dollars.
The release of the Commission’s report marks a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s history, calling for accountability, justice, and healing for the countless individuals who have suffered in silence. It is a reminder that we must confront the dark chapters of our past to create a safer and more compassionate future for all.
